The popular tourist destination Mexico City (CDMX) – the largest metropolis in North America – can be overwhelming at times. With dozens of colonias (neighborhoods) to choose from, it can be difficult even to decide on a hotel location.
Hesitate no longer: Novotel Mexico City World Trade Center (WTC) is a modern, comfortable property in a clean, safe neighborhood – with the added convenience of being right at a station of the capital city’s efficient mass transit system, assuring quick and easy access to all of the city’s many sightseeing attractions.
In addition, for those times when it is preferable to avoid the Metro system (such as rush hour or late night), the hotel’s location is also well known to the two very affordable local ride-on-demand services: the ubiquitous Uber and the native platform Didi. And, of course, the affable and knowledgeable bilingual personnel staffing the reception desk will always be happy to order guests a taxi.
Accor’s Novotel brand
Novotel is a leading brand in the midscale category of hotels belonging to Accor, one of the largest hospitality companies in the world. Known for its crossover ability to cater both to business and leisure travelers, family-friendly and pet-friendly Novotel comprises solid four-star properties – often with some five-star touches, like bathrobes and slippers – while consistently coming in at affordable midscale prices. Consequently, it has become one of my favorite overall brands worldwide.
Like all Novotel properties worldwide, Novotel CDMX WTC boasts a modern fitness center equipped with state-of-the art cardio machines, as well as weights and a stretching area – everything illuminated with natural light. The gym is part of Novotel’s enhanced wellbeing component, which recently launched an ambitious global initiative called “Longevity Everyday.”
Comfortable, modern accommodations
Novotel CDMX WTC’s 106 rooms boast every amenity that one expects in a four-star establishment: comfortable king- or queen-sized beds, user-friendly climate control, large flat screen television with multi-channel and multi-lingual programming, laptop-sized electronic safe for valuables, iron and ironing board, and refreshment corner with complimentary drinking water, mini-refrigerator, and electric kettle for making coffee and tea. Free WiFi extends to all guest rooms, as well as public spaces.
Bathrooms are fastidiously clean, with spacious shower stalls equipped with dual showerheads – one overhead rain shower and one hand-held – and pampering proprietary Rituals cosmetics toiletries dispensed from ecologically friendly containers (the hotel has Green Key certification for excellence in environmental responsibility). Hair dryers, bathrobes, and slippers complement the thirsty bath towels.
Drinking and Dining
While the bustling WTC neighborhood is full of many excellent places to eat – from casual to fancy, and from a giant supermarket to convenience stores – we were pleasantly surprised to discover that the hotel itself has inviting drinking and dining options. Delia Bistro serves delicious Mexican cuisine, brought to your table by friendly waiters who quickly get to learn your preferences. The adjacent, intimate Social Bar will mix local favorites – e.g., margaritas and palomas – or classic cocktails.
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get an eSim to be able to use your smartphone abroad.
- Get a Car Rental
- Guided Tours in Mexico
- Likely to sell out: Tickets to Frida Kahlo Museum
The bistro’s breakfast buffet is another worthwhile meal, featuring an array of juices, tropical fruits, and freshly baked bread and pastries. It is also a good place to try and local egg delicacies, such as huevos rancheros and chilaquiles.
If you go
Mexico City is blessed with more than 150 museums, including some of the best in the world. Not to be missed are the National Museum of Anthropology, with its magnificent collection of Mexican artifacts and archaeological finds shedding light on the civilizations of the Mayans, Aztecs, Toltecs (and more), and Museo Soumaya, whose stunning edifice represents modern architecture at its finest. Art lovers will appreciate the museums dedicated to the painter Frida Kahlo and muralist Diego Rivera, as well as to folk/primitive art and classical masterpieces such as those in the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Finally, since culinary discovery is such an integral part of traveling, one good way to get to know the best traditional foods – and drink – that Mexico has to offer is with Eat Mexico Tours. Their expert guides will unravel the secrets behind the ubiquitous tacos, exotic moles, distinctive tequilas and mezcals, and many other delicacies characteristic of traditional Mexican Cuisine, which has earned the designation of a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Rates for a double room at Novotel CDMX WTC start at approximately $85.00 per night in low season, and can rise considerably higher in high season and during holiday weeks. Members of the All Accor loyalty programme (and users of the Accor app) are entitled to discounted rates, as well as additional perks.
Check rates for Novotel Mexico City World Trade Center online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Text and photos by Buzzy Gordon, who was a guest of the hotel for purposes of review. As always, the opinions expressed are his own. Additional photos courtesy of Novotel.
